MURDER ONE -- 2008 July
What the Action Heroine Knows--and The Writer Should: Martial Arts, Fighting, and Weaposn in Mystery and Suspense
Instructor: Rob Preece
Class Description
Conflict is where story comes to life. In the mystery or suspense novel, this conflict often takes physical form. As writers, our job is to describe physical conflict--whether it be a fight, an abduction or a holdup with a gun or knife--in a way that grips the reader. This workshop, taught by a black belt martial artist and writer, uses knives, swords, clubs, and the naked hand to demonstrate how to write about effective strikes as well as how to defend against them. Actual scenaios from stories will be used to demonstrate what works and what doesn't--both from a physical and emotional perspective and frmo the perspective of the story. You'll also learn how to avoid action clichés that can pull the reader out of their reading experience. Get tips on writing realistic, believable action scenes with confidence, scenes that enmesh the reader more deeply into the story and elevate your writing to the next level.
Instructor - Bio
Rob Preece is a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and has also studied Jujitsu, Kobudo (martial arts weapons), Judo, and European (Olympic) Fencing. As a full-time writer, Rob has learned how to bring realistic fighting detail to the page, which clichés to avoid at all costs, and how to turn physical conflict into either gripping action, or sizzling sexual tension. Rob's seminar, How the Kick-Ass Heroine Kicks Ass, has been well received at RWA National, Epicon, Fencon, and several RWA chapters. When he's not taking punches or practicing with oak or steel weapons, Rob is a full-time writer (and 2005 Golden Heart Finalist) and electronic publisher. In an earlier life, Rob taught Economics at the University level, and he still keeps his hand in the teaching game as a professional bridge instructor.
Questions? Contact Murder One Coordinator